Joanna Tuffy (Labour)

I support the idea behind this amendment, although it is too particular in identifying an area. I support the idea that recruitment should be as broad as possible and that the force should be representative. Recently the Minister proposed an amendment with regard to the recruitment age, which I welcome. He could have gone even further. I do not see why people cannot apply at an even later age. It would be a good idea to have more people from different or disadvantaged communities in the force.

Senator Brian Hayes mentioned the attitude of people to gardaí. There is a RAPID area in my constituency also, but the main attitude there is that there should be more gardaí and that they should have more resources. Much good work is done. For example, in my constituency gardaí and the community try to work together on different issues through a safety forum, which is positive. It would be good for communities if some of their members were recruited by the Garda Síochána. I am sure there are already some, but anything that can be done to improve the numbers would be beneficial.

This is a good opportunity to mention Garda resources. The Minister is aware of a case reported recently in the newspapers of a young Garda who was killed four years ago in an accident involving his Garda car. It was involved in a car chase and ran into an electricity pole. The second garda in the car was from Lucan. More needs to be done with regard to providing gardaí with better equipment to do their jobs. What is the Minister doing in that regard? This is particularly important when we expect young gardaí to look after people's lives. It is unsatisfactory that Garda equipment often does not provide them with the best security and safety.